Crows star Deni Varnhagen’s grandmothers beam with pride ahead of the AFLW grand final

Crows AFLW midfielder Deni Varnhagen opens up on the special bonds he shares with her grandmothers Beryl Stutchbury and Eva Rudolph. It’s their support that has helped her get to where she is today.

Crows AFLW midfielder Deni Varnhagen (C) says her biggest supporters are her two grandmothers Eva Rudolph (L) and Beryl Stutchbury (R). Picture: Tait Schmaal

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Beryl Stutchbury and Eva Rudolph tear up when they are asked what their granddaughter, Crows AFLW midfielder Deni Varnhagen, means to them.

“If I start telling you, I’ll start crying because I am so emotional,” oma Eva, of North Haven, said.

Deni Varnhagen with her biggest supporters Beryl Stutchbury (L) and Eva Rudolph (R). Picture: Tait Schmaal

“She means everything to me.”

Grandma Beryl agreed.

“She’s almost a soulmate, she’s fantastic,” grandma Beryl, of Reynella, said.

Grandma Beryl, 79, and oma Eva, 84, were going to be front and centre cheering for Varnhagen and her teammates at the AFLW grand final against Carlton on Sunday.

They have seen Varnhagen win one flag – when Adelaide beat Brisbane in the competition’s inaugural flag decider.

But that game was in Queensland and they watched from their homes.

This time though, they were going to be at the game because it was set to be played at Adelaide Oval.

“The first grand final win was absolutely amazing,” grandma Beryl said.

Deni Varnhagen celebrating kicking a goal during the AFLW preliminary final against Geelong at Adelaide Oval last week. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

“We still remember that goal she kicked left-foot in the first year.

“It will be fantastic if she can win another one.”

Varnhagen, 26, said her grandmothers were her biggest supporters, alongside her parents, Tony and Julie Varnhagen.

She said coach Matthew Clarke had made it a strong focus this season to ensure players’ families were welcomed into the club.

“If we win, it will not just be about celebrating the team, it will be celebrating with everyone,” Varnhagen said.

Deni Varnhagen (C) with her grandmothers Beryl Stutchbury (L) and Eva Rudolph (R) have a laugh ahead of the AFLW grand final. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“They (our family) mean a lot to us, so to have him make them feel so warm and welcomed is fantastic.

“I am very lucky to have them (her grandmothers) still around and to share this occasion with them.

“Both of them will message me after each game, it’s very cute.”

Grandma Beryl was not surprised when Varnhagen was drafted to the Crows because she had always shown potential as a youngster and wanted to take football as far as she could.

“She was captain of an under-11 team and the team consisted of all boys,” grandma Beryl said.

“She is an amazing athlete and very determined to get the best out of herself.”

Grandma Beryl and oma Eva were confident the Crows would beat Blues and hoped to celebrate with Varnhagen after the game.

“I am so proud of her,” oma Eva said.

“We will celebrate (if the Crows win), probably different to the way she will celebrate.

“We will have a champagne together.

“If they lose I’ll still celebrate and drink a champagne.

“It doesn’t matter if they win or lose, I still love her.”